UAlbany Promotes John Battaglino to Head Lacrosse Coach; Lindsey Hart Steps Down

Albany, N.Y. - University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy announced on Thursday, Aug. 19 the resignation of head women's lacrosse coach Lindsey Hart. Associate coach John Battaglino has been promoted to the head coaching position.

"We are appreciative of Lindsey's contributions to the women's lacrosse program," said McElroy said. "She has been an excellent representative of the university and its values. John's appointment will provide for a seamless transition as the program continues to ascend. He is a proven winner who has the leadership and vision that will positively impact our student-athletes."

Hart, who is leaving the coaching profession for personal reasons, recently completed her fifth season as the program's head coach. She guided the Great Danes to their most accomplished campaign in the program's history. UAlbany won its first America East Conference regular-season title, posted a school-record 13-3 mark, and was ranked in the national top-20 for the first time. In addition, Nikki Branchini became the first lacrosse athlete at the Division I level to earn All-America recognition.

Hart had a 46-37 career record as UAlbany's head coach. She steered the program to at least eight wins in all five seasons and four consecutive America East postseason appearances, including the championship tournament final in 2007. In 2009, the Great Danes registered its first winning campaign in nine years and defeated their first-ever national top-20 opponent. A native of Vineland, Ontario, she captained Team Canada to a bronze medal for the first time in 27 years at the 2009 FIL World Cup (Federation of international Lacrosse).

Battaglino, who becomes the sixth head coach in the program's history, was named UAlbany's associate coach in September 2009. In his first season, the Great Danes ranked second nationally in scoring offense at 15.06 goals per game and fourth in scoring margin. UAlbany had four of America East's top-10 goal scorers, while Taylor Frink led the conference in points per game.

Battaglino previously served as a Syracuse University assistant coach for five seasons and head coach at Bethlehem Central (N.Y.) High School for nine years. At Syracuse, the Orange made four NCAA Tournament appearances and won 67 games. In 2009, Syracuse captured a share of the Big East Conference's regular-season title with a 14-5 record and advanced to the NCAA quarterfinal round. Three SU players earned IWLCA All-America honors.

In 2008, Battaglino guided the Orange to the highest-scoring season in NCAA history. Syracuse set records for points (541) and goals (380) and led the nation in goals per game (18.01) and points (25.64). Katie Rowan was Division I's top scorer and tied the NCAA single-season mark with 69 assists. In the process, Syracuse reached the NCAA semifinals, captured the Big East regular-season and tournament titles, and finished 18-3 overall. The Orange also won the 2007 Big East crown and advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals with the nation's second-ranked offensive attack.

At the high school level, Battaglino led the Eagles to four New York State regional championships and six Section II titles. He coached the program to the Class A state semifinals in 1999, 2002 and 2004 and the state finals in 2003. Battaglino, who compiled a 148-31 career record, was recognized as coach of the year from 1999-2004 by U.S. Lacrosse. Bethlehem Central High had 17 high school All-Americans during his tenure.

Battaglino earned a master's in environmental planning from UAlbany in 1992, before receiving another graduate degree in education from Russell Sage College six years later. He was inducted into the Adirondack Region Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2008 and served on the selection committee for the 2006 U.S. Lacrosse National Team.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information